To be eligible for the award, a project must be an Australian production that debuted via the internet, and was intended primarily for release via video sharing site or unique URL. It can include a standalone video of up to 60 minutes, a series, or a channel.

The production must have been available on the internet for the first time between August 6 2018, and today, August 15, 2019, and must remain online until the end of the judging period (October 11).

According to the guidelines, AACTA includes channels and videos spanning ‘How-To’, ‘Beauty/Fashion/Style’, ‘Sports and Wellness’, ‘Kids and Family’, ‘Entertainment’ ‘Education/Science/Technology’, ‘Gaming’, ‘Music’, ‘News and Culture’ among the genres eligible.

A jury of relevantly accredited and experienced AACTA members will determine up to four nominees, with AACTA and AFI members to then determine the winner during a second round of voting.

“We are incredibly proud to support Australia’s innovative online creators and to be an industry leader in acknowledging the role they play in shaping the Australian screen industry while creating audiences for themselves globally,” said AFI | AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella.

“Social video platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram are content rich environments, and are commanding a large and ever growing audience particularly among people under 35. In establishing this new Award category, we are shining a spotlight on a new generation of innovative Australian content creators.”

Entries are now open and will close September 12. Nominees will be announced in October.